"Power over a man's subsistence is power over his will"

Alexander Hamilton's quote speaks to the power of control over a person's income. He is suggesting that when someone has control over another person's ability to provide for themselves and their household, they have control over that individual's will. This might be analyzed as a warning against those in positions of power, such as companies, property managers, or government authorities, who might utilize their authority to control or coerce individuals into doing things they would not otherwise do. Hamilton's quote likewise speaks to the importance of economic flexibility and the requirement for individuals to have the ability to provide for themselves and their families without fear of exploitation. Ultimately, Hamilton's quote functions as a reminder that power must not be mistreated and that everybody must can make their own choices without worry of retribution.